(VOVworld) – Hanoi opened the first pedestrian-only route from Hàng Đào, Hàng Ngang, and Hàng Đường street to Đồng Xuân market in 2004. Ten years later, route was expanded to Hàng Buồm, Mã Mây, Hàng Giầy, Lương Ngọc Quyến,Tạ Hiện, and Đào Duy Từ. On September 1, 2016, Hanoi will pilot a walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding streets to boost tourism and services.
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A public stage in the walking area around Hoan Kiem lake
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The area around Hoan Kiem Lake and about 10 streets leading to the Lake will be closed to traffic from 7p.m Friday to midnight Sunday. Tran Tuan Lam, a resident in Dinh Tien Hoang street, said: “I support Hanoi opening the walking lanes around Hoan Kiem Lake on the weekends. People will have a good time enjoying Hanoi’s streets rather than riding motorbikes or sitting in cars. Foreign tourists will have more time to explore the culture of Hanoi and Vietnam.”
Hanoi’s Old Quarter without traffic will become a unique space in the capital, promoting cultural and historical sites and boosting tourism, business, and services. Stalls will be open in Đinh Lễ, Lê Lai, and Le Thạch streets selling tourist products such as articles of fine art and local dishes.
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| Streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter are closed for traffic from 7p.m Friday to midnight Sunday |
Pham Tuan Long, Vice Chairman of Hoan Kiem precinct’s People’s Committee, says: “The walking area is utilized to promote the values of Hoan Kiem Lake, a special national heritage site, and other heritage sites around it. It will open a community space for people to enjoy cultural and sporting events.”
Pedestrians will be able to enjoy public performances and use free wifi to access the Internet. Government agencies have assigned forces to ensure social order, traffic safety, and parking lots.